Who is a Candidate for
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking?
This treatment is reserved for patients diagnosed with Keratoconus, a corneal disease that occurs when the normally round-shaped cornea becomes weak and progressively thin, causing a cone-like-bulge to develop. Patients affected by the condition experience reduced visual function with symptoms
worsening as the disease progresses. If left untreated, a corneal transplant may be required. Cross-linking is a safe, effective treatment designed to halt progression of the disease and preserve visual acuity.
Vision Correction
After Cross-linking
It is important to understand that corneal collagen cross-linking is not a refractive vision correction procedure. Most patients can expect to still need glasses and/or contacts to correct their vision following Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Kansas City.
The cornea may continue to change for many months. During this time, many patients require new glasses or contacts to accommodate the changing shape. Future vision correction can be discussed with your surgeon once corneal stabilization has occurred.
The Corneal Collagen
Cross-linking Treatment Process
Plan to be at our surgery center for up to 2 hours to allow time for pre and post-operative testing and instructions.
You will need to have a driver on the day of surgery.
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Step 1Pre-operative preparations
Several tests will be repeated to verify measurements. An optional mild sedative is offered to patients and anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye. A small, gentle eyelid holder is placed between your eyelids so you don’t have to worry about blinking during the procedure.
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Step 2Prep the cornea
A solution will then be applied to the cornea to help the surgeon remove the epithelium (the top layer of cornea).
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Step 3Treatment
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) eye drops are instilled at determined intervals until the corneal tissue is saturated. During treatment, an ultra-violet (UVA) light is turned on and additional riboflavin drops are instilled.
Cross-linking Recovery
Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Kansas City is performed on one eye at a time. Though this is typically 3-6 months apart, it is not uncommon for the timespan to be a year. During this time, a surgeon will closely monitor changes in the corneal shape and vision. After the procedure, this is what to expect.
1 Day – 1 Month: Expect suboptimal vision for the first month following Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Kansas City, during which a contact lens is NOT worn in the surgical eye.
1 – 3 Months: Vision gradually improves back to baseline as corneal remodeling and healing occur; referral for contact lens fitting may occur during this time, or the patient may return to prior contact lens wear.
3 – 12 Months: Stabilization and improvement of corneal shape, with continued exams to monitor for improvements in visual acuity and quality.
1 Year+: Corneal remodeling may continue to occur and stabilization will be followed with exams every 6-12 months
Is Corneal Collagen
Cross-Linking
right for you?
Find out through our signature
Advanced Ocular Analysis
The first and most critical step in determining candidacy for a procedure is to schedule a complimentary Advanced Ocular Analysis, or AOA.
Going above and beyond a traditional LASIK screening, the AOA sets the foundation for exceptional visual outcomes with each patient’s long-term needs in mind.